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‘Are You a Man?’—Texas Pastor Denounces Men Who Ask Their Wives If It Is Ok To Have Children

Shelley wrapped up his sermon to Stedfast Baptist Church by once more encouraging men to care for their postpartum wives, who are not in any condition to make decisions for themselves. The pastor said that he makes his wife a steak dinner on the day she gives birth and helps with tasks around the house. Having kids is hard on her, and he doesn’t want to make the experience as hard as possible. As he ended, Shelley prayed that God would guide his congregation if he had “said anything amiss.”

In a statement to ChurchLeaders, Pastor Jonathan Shelley reiterated his view that couples should not use birth control, but should “allow God to provide us with children at his discretion.” Regarding how much input wives can give in a marriage, Shelley said:

As a husband it is our God given responsibility to lead the family and not ask our wives for permission concerning major life decisions. While it is important to consider a wife’s opinion, advice, feelings, and health, husbands should make all the decisions of the family. My wife gives me great advice and wisdom all the time and helps me with every day decisions, however, ultimately I have to lead and I have the final say in all matters. Men who allow their wives to lead the family or overrule their decision making would be “effeminate.” I also believe it would be unscriptural for a husband to deny his wife children or to prevent her from having the children that God would bless her with. Ultimately, Christians should submit to God’s will for their life and not take everything into their own hands and understanding.